First of all, this is Microsoft's first attempt at hardware. If experienced hardware companies can't beat what is essentially a hardware startup, they deserve to lose. Second of all, it's not like Microsoft is keeping Windows 8 to itself. The hardware partners can still get the software. And finally, Microsoft isn't going wide with the release. It will only sell at Microsoft's stores. That's a small distribution channel.

Microsoft is arguably doing its PC partners a favor. If the Surface is a total flop, then the PC makers can try to figure out why. Or they can ignore Windows 8 for tablets, and just go with Android. If the Surface is a success, they can build on that and release their own tablets.

The only real mistake Microsoft can make is letting Apple take over the tablet market with out putting up a fight.